The Raptors’ home game against the Knicks on Friday (ET) is historic.
It is the team’s first home game that Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia did not attend.
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Why did Nav Bhatia miss his first Raptors home game?
A guaranteed assistant in every Raptors home game since the franchise debuted in 1995, Bhatia was forced to miss Friday’s game after being advised to isolate himself in the interests of everyone’s safety.
Last Sunday (December 5) in Toronto, the Superfan attended the Africa Giants Gala event, one in which some attendees tested positive for COVID-19, including Raptors Vice President and President Masai Ujiri.
Raptors ad about Masai Ujiri testing positive for Covid. pic.twitter.com/AFEuZAFmwq
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 10, 2023
Fortunately, Bhatia has shared that she is not experiencing any symptoms so far (at the time of her social media post on Friday night).
In the post, as part of his two requests to Raptors fans in the arena, he says, “Take good care of my friend Kal Penn. I want everyone to show you why this is the best fanbase in the league and give a lot of love tonight. “
Kal Penn, an American actor who was born to Indian immigrant parents, is set to produce and star in a biopic about Bhatia.
So I insist on doing it. @kalpenn take my seat enjoy the game. He sent me this picture saying, “I may be a Superfan, but no one will be a Superfan except you and this A12 seat will always be yours.” I was excited, I think we chose the right person. God bless you Kal pic.twitter.com/M9lYwDawjY
– Nav Bhatia Superfan (superfan_nav) December 11, 2023
Nav Bhatia’s Raptors super fandom story
Last year, Bhatia’s great fandom for the Raptors earned him recognition from the Basketball Memorial Hall of Fame.
Not only did he receive a custom Hall of Fame ring, but to mark his induction and honor him, several key aspects associated with his presence in the arena were displayed, such as his turban, superfan jersey, and seat.
When I was a child, I promised my mother that I would never take off my turban. Today he is in the Hall of Fame. Accept what makes you different. It’s your super power. This is the crown that I wear every day. Thanks Mom. pic.twitter.com/s6cCjxbdhR
– Nav Bhatia Superfan (superfan_nav) May 19, 2023
His loyalty and passion for the franchise earned him the ‘Superfan’ label. It saw him not only receive the honor of being the grand quarterback at the team’s championship parade in Toronto, but also a championship ring after the franchise’s NBA title in 2019.
